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Fiction Writing: How to Write Your First Novel
FICTION How to Write Your First Novel has only one purpose - to guide the new writer toward producing a first class novel. Experienced authors have found this little gem so valuable that they keep it next to their computers. Its size is perfect for tucking into a laptop carrying case. It is a no-nonsense, easy to read book packed with the nitty-gritty of creative writing; a cut-to-the-chase work that will become your fiction writing bible.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
Unknown Binding
First published November 1, 2012
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July 16, 2021This non-fiction was created to aid novice writers in their first full-length writing projects. It delves into a myriad of topics - such as if a prologue is beneficial, how to deal with adverbs, and what foreshadowing exactly is - although its brief length means each is only really glanced at. It does provide a good overview of topics to consider, as well as very sound advice on each.
Whilst I am not an expert by any means, I have already penned a full length novel. I'm in the process of starting another and doing some major reworking to the former. I thought this brief volume would give me some inspiration and some titbits of advice to aid me with these two tasks. It did give me some new ways to consider things but as I am not the intended audience I garnered no new host of information I had not already gathered from my own previous experiences and other writing guides. For that reason I won't provide a star rating but did close this feeling eager to go away and create, so I will give it full credit for that.
Whilst I am not an expert by any means, I have already penned a full length novel. I'm in the process of starting another and doing some major reworking to the former. I thought this brief volume would give me some inspiration and some titbits of advice to aid me with these two tasks. It did give me some new ways to consider things but as I am not the intended audience I garnered no new host of information I had not already gathered from my own previous experiences and other writing guides. For that reason I won't provide a star rating but did close this feeling eager to go away and create, so I will give it full credit for that.
August 27, 2018
This book has some VERY good information & examples for anyone who desires to write a novel. I appreciated the fact that the author also suggested some books to read in order to study the craft of writing. My favorite is how she explains how to "show and not tell" which is a complaint that I see often from readers. When I reread this, I will be equipped with a highlighter.
May 22, 2013
I read this last night, and was very impressed with how clear and concise it is. I am including this book in my list of reference books on writing for those that ask me (including for when working with my daughter on her stories to help her learn to write).
April 1, 2013
Karleene Morrow is the author of ‘Destinies’, the epic saga of German immigrants who settled in Catherine The Great’s Russia. A book which in my humble opinion was one of the standout novels of 2012. Here Karleene shares with us the skills and disciplines that were employed in crafting that wonderful book.
‘How To Write Your First Novel’ contains everything an aspiring author needs to know before setting out to pen their literary epic. From POV changes to writer’s block; each point is laid out clearly and succinctly, so that the book is not only an invaluable guide, but would also be a useful aide memoir.
As a writer, I have learnt through trial and error a good deal of what is contained here. Some, I have to say I am still learning. I can’t help thinking how much simpler my writing life would have been if this guide had been around twenty years ago.
So whether you are planning to write the 21st century version of War And Peace, or simply a short story to send to your local magazine, you would be well advised, first of all, to invest in a copy of Karleene Morrow’s excellent book ‘How To Write Your First Novel.’
‘How To Write Your First Novel’ contains everything an aspiring author needs to know before setting out to pen their literary epic. From POV changes to writer’s block; each point is laid out clearly and succinctly, so that the book is not only an invaluable guide, but would also be a useful aide memoir.
As a writer, I have learnt through trial and error a good deal of what is contained here. Some, I have to say I am still learning. I can’t help thinking how much simpler my writing life would have been if this guide had been around twenty years ago.
So whether you are planning to write the 21st century version of War And Peace, or simply a short story to send to your local magazine, you would be well advised, first of all, to invest in a copy of Karleene Morrow’s excellent book ‘How To Write Your First Novel.’
July 26, 2013
The Perfect Primer for New Writers!
Books about writing tend to fall into two categories for me. They are either purely motivational with no substance, or textbook-like snorefests packed with great information but impossible to read. “Fiction Writing” by Karleene Morrow was a perfect mix of inspiration and functional instruction. I found it wonderfully motivating and full of great tips and practices that I will be incorporating into my writing routine.
I highly recommend this book for both new and seasoned writers. I would also recommend “Fiction Writing” to writers’ groups as a group-read. I know I’ll be taking it to my group!
Books about writing tend to fall into two categories for me. They are either purely motivational with no substance, or textbook-like snorefests packed with great information but impossible to read. “Fiction Writing” by Karleene Morrow was a perfect mix of inspiration and functional instruction. I found it wonderfully motivating and full of great tips and practices that I will be incorporating into my writing routine.
I highly recommend this book for both new and seasoned writers. I would also recommend “Fiction Writing” to writers’ groups as a group-read. I know I’ll be taking it to my group!
January 25, 2015
The publisher has been chasing me for the first draft of my book after I sent him a few early morsels. While looking for distractions I picked this up at a Sydney bookshop. Sure there's 100's of books out there on the craft but this simple read got me back on track and remembering the discipline I had lost. A good read. Back at work!
May 3, 2021
This book is physical proof that anyone — anyone — can publish a book. Grammar? Ha! Complete sentences? Who needs ’em! Nope, this slim little volume is proof that anyone with a computer (and an ego) can get a book out there.
I am utterly flabbergasted (and a little bit angry) at the positive reviews for this book. It is riddled with errors and lazy writing, and I want to go find each and every person who read this book and urge them -- do not waste your time or money .
The advice is simplistic and redundant, and the author often commits the very errors she exhorts writers to avoid (including poor editing, passive voice, and utter lack of style). (She also has a weird fascination with Michener that makes little sense in the context of this volume.)
Look, normally I celebrate the technology that allows writers to get their stories out there without the traditional barriers of, ahem, editors. But books like Morrow's are evidence that this isn't always a good thing.
I am utterly flabbergasted (and a little bit angry) at the positive reviews for this book. It is riddled with errors and lazy writing, and I want to go find each and every person who read this book and urge them -- do not waste your time or money .
The advice is simplistic and redundant, and the author often commits the very errors she exhorts writers to avoid (including poor editing, passive voice, and utter lack of style). (She also has a weird fascination with Michener that makes little sense in the context of this volume.)
Look, normally I celebrate the technology that allows writers to get their stories out there without the traditional barriers of, ahem, editors. But books like Morrow's are evidence that this isn't always a good thing.
July 21, 2017
If this is your first handbook on the writing craft, go ahead and buy it. It is definitely inspiring and guiding. You can devour it in one sitting and discover a handful of tools for your writing.
If you have read more books about the art of writing heed my warning. Although it covers the whole spectrum of the craft, it barely scratches the surface. This is not a book for serious, in depth studying. Nor will it give you every tool you need to make it through your first novel.
That said, the book may be simple but it is masterful in that. It is an excellent platform to launch to further studies. In its pages you will find further steps you need to take outlined and many important books to proceed to after you finish this one.
If you have read more books about the art of writing heed my warning. Although it covers the whole spectrum of the craft, it barely scratches the surface. This is not a book for serious, in depth studying. Nor will it give you every tool you need to make it through your first novel.
That said, the book may be simple but it is masterful in that. It is an excellent platform to launch to further studies. In its pages you will find further steps you need to take outlined and many important books to proceed to after you finish this one.
February 8, 2019
It's a start. A superficial approach to writing, and certainly not void of merit. Had I read it four years ago, when I first contemplated writing for a living, I would have rated higher.
If you just sat down to pour your brain out into storytelling, way before your family disinherits you, this book may be of help. Like when you go down to the beach for a swim but the water is too cold, so you deep your feet first and gradually work your way up to the waist before saying screw it, jump in, freeze your face and gasp for air.
Then, if you haven't lost your courage, read Stephen King's On Writing, Orsen Scott Card's books about it. Elements of Style by Strunk and White. On Writing Well, William Zinsser...
If you just sat down to pour your brain out into storytelling, way before your family disinherits you, this book may be of help. Like when you go down to the beach for a swim but the water is too cold, so you deep your feet first and gradually work your way up to the waist before saying screw it, jump in, freeze your face and gasp for air.
Then, if you haven't lost your courage, read Stephen King's On Writing, Orsen Scott Card's books about it. Elements of Style by Strunk and White. On Writing Well, William Zinsser...
August 6, 2018
I bought this book because it was inexpensive and I enjoy reading literary analysis and I figured why not. Very disappointed. There was a HUGE typo on the first page and the advice was just all simple common knowledge stuff you probably heard in grammar school. Total waste of money.
December 20, 2021
Someone else summed this up: it’s a start. Definitely a beginner level book that often refers the reader to Google or Facebook for answers. The author also has some militant views about authoring a novel (you must write every day, etc.) However, it did have a few valuable takeaways.
July 15, 2017
This is a handy little guide for new writers. It contains references to other resources, as well.
January 30, 2018
Almost all of the advice can be covered by Youtubers and is well known.
Not original.
Not original.
October 31, 2018
Inspirational. This book is very succinct, and quite helpful in pointing aspiring writers in the right direction. Wonderful recommendations on further reading, as well.
June 10, 2023
Good for beginners.
March 19, 2013
** AMAZON REVIEW by MARGARET ARVANITIS, Author
Authors of fiction will use every suggestion in Author Karleene Morrow's 'FICTION WRITING; How to Write Your First Novel.' This book was a gift that I value more than any other book gift I've received. Either as an e-book or the handy little print book to place by your computer as you create your novel, it is the great tool for a writer who is struggling to produce her or his novel. Each chapter brings simple but valuable suggestions. Ms Morrow is a novelist, who herself writes 5 star historical fiction. This is a 'must read' again and again for writers. I have no choice but to give it a five star rating.
Authors of fiction will use every suggestion in Author Karleene Morrow's 'FICTION WRITING; How to Write Your First Novel.' This book was a gift that I value more than any other book gift I've received. Either as an e-book or the handy little print book to place by your computer as you create your novel, it is the great tool for a writer who is struggling to produce her or his novel. Each chapter brings simple but valuable suggestions. Ms Morrow is a novelist, who herself writes 5 star historical fiction. This is a 'must read' again and again for writers. I have no choice but to give it a five star rating.
March 11, 2016
A great book on writing fiction!
This book does exactly its title suggests. Karleene Morrow does not spoon feed a recipe for a beginner's novel. She guides readers on the nuts and bolts of writing fiction. I've learned a lot about fiction writing in general and highly recommend this book for newcomers to writing books.
This book does exactly its title suggests. Karleene Morrow does not spoon feed a recipe for a beginner's novel. She guides readers on the nuts and bolts of writing fiction. I've learned a lot about fiction writing in general and highly recommend this book for newcomers to writing books.
December 29, 2015
It's a concise to-the-point book, covering most of the common writing issues that a fiction writer can face. However the coverage is not in-depth. Reader are generally directed to other sources if they wish to get into more details. Can be helpful for beginning writers.
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